Being a naturist represents a joy that comparatively few people will ever experience. France of course has a reputation for being home to some of the world’s finest nude beaches, not to mention nude resorts where you can eat, drink, shop and generally enjoy your holiday free of clothes. Of course, the location and resort you choose will make the biggest difference of all to your vacation, which is why it’s good to take stock of all the options available prior to booking and ensure you make the right decision. The nude beaches in France here will surely provide you with some excellent choices.
Nude Beaches in France-The Mediterranean
Cap d’Agde
Undoubtedly the most popular naturist resort in all of France, Cap d’Agde is located just to the south of Montpellier. Here’s a whole resort dedicated to nudists where you can do literally anything without your clothes. And we mean anything too, from shopping to partying and even a spot of banking – anything goes!
Ile du Levant
Head past Marseille and you’ll find yourself in the region of Ile du Levant, which represents something of a throwback to a simpler era of nudist beaches from the 30s. Fast approaching its 100th birthday, it’s a gorgeous little island that’s much quieter and more reserved than some of the other resorts, including the one mentioned above. And what’s more, they have a rule where you have to remove 100% of your clothes or leave!
St. Tropez
Tahiti Plage is of course another massively famous nudist beach, which can be found in the gorgeously glamorous surroundings of St Tropez. Brigitte Bardot is unsurprisingly credited with making this place a household name and could also be blamed for making it one of the busiest nudist beaches in France. But then again, there’s really no fun in going it alone, is there?
Leucate Plage
Leucate Plage is perhaps the best location of all to head for nudist family fun, with its kilometer of golden sands and beautifully calm blue seas. This is much more of a heaven for all things tranquil and relaxing, far from the party atmospheres of some of the other nudist beaches across the French Med. What’s more, Leucate Plage also stands out as a supremely popular spot for first timers going all-natural for the first time!
Les Grottes Plage & Ile du Levant
What’s interesting about Les Grottes Plage & Ile du Levant is how much of the island is actually closed by the military, but the stretch of beach that’s open to nudists is one of a kind. Not only does it present some of the most amazing nude snorkeling opportunities in France, but it’s also one of the few beaches where nudity is mandatory. If your clothes don’t go, you do!
Nude Beaches in France-The Atlantic Coast
Montalivet Beach
If you’ve ever wondered how the nudist movement really got started, Montalivet Beach is the place to head. Here’s where things really kicked off back in the 50s and to a large extent very little has changed. This is seen globally as the birthplace of nudism and the resort is packed with chalets, bungalows, shops, bars and so on – all of which are 100% nudist friendly.
Euronat
Fancy something a bit bigger? Well, head over to Euronat and you’ll be greeted with a 100 mile stretch of coastline which is in many respects just one gigantic nudist beach. And despite its size, it’s also one of the cleanest, friendliest and generally most appealing on the whole of France’s Atlantic Coast. A great place to head with the whole family for a camping trip.
Vieux St. Giron
As for Vieux St. Giron, this is pretty much as good as it gets for nudists that also like to try their hand at surfing. Admittedly the waters can get a little on the choppy side and the currents tend to be strong, so caution is needed when swimming, especially where kids are involved. However, if surfing is your thing and you’ve always wondered what it would be like with no clothes on, here’s your chance to go find out!
Things to Remember
Tops On or Off. Generally speaking, going topless on any beach in France is seen as more than acceptable, though there are exceptions so be sure to follow the rules.
Bottoms Up. In terms of underwear, there’s no law that says you can or cannot go fully nude in French beaches, but it is of course considered acceptable on some and not on others, so be sure to check up first.
Tact. There are some things you just should not be doing on any nudist beach, which include staring, taking photographs or making fun of others. And for gentlemen that for one reason or another become ‘excited’, this should also be kept hidden.
Nude or Nothing. Be sure to check the rules as to whether clothing is accepted, mandatory or banned as there are different rules for each beach. Some you must go nude, some you must not go nude and with some it’s your own choice.
Walking Rules. There are plenty of nude beaches in France that allow and encourage naked hiking across nearby trails. However, you need to check where the limits of the nudist resort lie in order to avoid giving passers-by a bit of a shock.
Sunburn. Don’t forget that the fewer items of clothing you wear, the more chance you have of taking home horrible sunburn. And as sunburn is way more painful on some parts of the body than others, be sure to add a liberal dose and keep topping up.
Trunks. For men, swimming trunks are fine when heading into the sea and some actually salute the use of such garments for helping to keep the water clean. So if you feel the need, don’t be afraid to don a Speedo.
City Rules. When you come across one of those lovely fake beaches built in any given city across France, be sure to remember that the same rules don’t apply. In fact, take your top off here or go nude and you’ll be in for a hefty fine.
Children. Whether or not to take along children is a bit of a sticky subject, though there are in fact no rules with regard to their being allowed on the beach or the ages they should or shouldn’t be…it’s all up to their parents or guardians.
Shelter. Last but not least, be sure to take along sufficient clothing or blankets to cover yourself up when the sun is at its strongest. Going nude often means falling for the trap of taking little to nothing to cover up with at all, which can of course be a rather painful mistake.
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